System and method for displaying elevated, polarized views of water bodies

ABSTRACT

A system and method for displaying elevated, polarized views of water bodies are provided. The system and method of the present disclosure are generally designed to obtain images from a vantage point located at a first location and subsequently transmit and display the same to an individual located at a second location. To this end, the system and method of the present disclosure may comprise a camera, a mounting device, and a display operably connected to the camera. The mounting device may be used to attach the camera in an elevated position on a boat to enable the camera to capture video images of the body of water surrounding the boat. To reduce glare on the body of water, the camera may have a polarized filter. Video images captured by the camera are transmitted to the display for display thereon in real time.

CROSS REFERENCES

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 62/890,721, filed on Aug. 23, 2019, in which both applications areincorporated herein in their entirety by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The subject matter of the present disclosure refers generally to asystem and method for displaying elevated, polarized views of waterbodies.

BACKGROUND

Many recreational fishing boats have fishing towers that provideelevated platforms on which anglers may stand to obtain an elevated viewof the waters surrounding the boat. To better see into the water fromthis elevated position, anglers often wear polarized sunglasses designedto reduce glare caused by the reflection of the sun from a water body.The vantage point and visibility afforded through the use of suchfishing towers and polarized sunglasses generally provide an advantageto anglers by allowing them to visually identify fish location within abody of water and to subsequently cast bait into such location. Thismethod of fishing is commonly referred to as sight fishing, and gettingan elevated polarized view of surrounding waters is critical tosuccessful sight fishing.

However, there are a number of problems and disadvantages associatedwith the use of fishing towers on boats to obtain the elevated viewsnecessary for sight fishing. Because fishing towers are commonlyelevated eight to ten feet or more above the deck of a boat, utilizingsuch fishing towers requires anglers to position themselves at adangerous height above the boat's deck surface. As the boat moves in abobbing motion in the water due to wave action, an angler's balance maybe disrupted. This effect may be uncomfortable and even dangerous foranglers standing on the platform. For instance, rough waters may magnifythe aforementioned effect to the point where anglers are ejected orotherwise dislodged from the fishing tower onto the deck of a boat orinto the body of water surrounding the boat.

Moreover, the use of fishing towers generally requires anglers to climbup and down a series of steps or rungs to transport to and from thestanding platform of the fishing tower. As such, falls sometimes occur,which may cause injury. Additionally, the series of steps or rungs mayprevent physically disabled or elderly anglers from utilizing suchfishing towers. Furthermore, while an angler is on the fishing tower,they are generally unable to use any instruments located on the boat'scenter console, such as a depth finder, unless controls are alsoinstalled in the fishing tower. This may be dangerous when fishing inmore shallow areas since it increases the risk that a fisherman maybottom out and damage the hull of their boat.

In instances where a boat is devoid of such fishing towers, anglers mayattempt to make makeshift fishing towers using materials or objectspresent on the boat, such as coolers, and stand thereon to sight fish.However, the elevation afforded by such makeshift fishing towers and/orstructural integrity of the same are generally insufficient to safelyand successfully sight fish. In some instances, anglers mayalternatively choose to retrofit their boat with a fishing tower.However, depending on the type and design of a boat, retrofitinstallation may be difficult and costly. Moreover, it is not alwaysadvantageous to have a fishing tower on a boat. For instance, anglersfishing with fly rods need more space to work their rods and throw theirline than anglers using casting rods, trolling rods, and spinning rodsdue to the length of the fly rod, the action of the line, and themechanics of casting the fly rod. Fishing towers occupy a large degreeof space on a boat's deck, which effectively limits the space in whichan angler can maneuver their rod. In instances where an angler is flyfishing, a large fishing tower may increase the likelihood that the flyangler will tangle their line or break their rod on the fishingplatform. Removing and reinstalling a fishing tower depending on thetype of fishing an angler will be performing is time consuming andcostly. Nor is it cost effective for an angler to have a separate boatanytime that angler wants to fish with fly rods.

Furthermore, boats having fishing towers installed face another problem:storage and travel. Boats without fishing towers can often be stored ata marina in onsite dry storage. Dry storage is often not possible forboats with fishing towers because the dry storage units often havestrict height requirements. In addition, most roads have a heightrestriction of thirteen feet six inches. Boats that do not exceedthirteen feet six inches when on a trailer can be stored out of water atone's home. However, this becomes a more difficult restriction for afisherman who wants to store their boat at home to comply with when aneight- to ten-foot fishing tower is installed. The height restrictionalso presents a problem for the traveling fisherman since thisrestriction makes it more difficult to transport fishing equipment todifferent parts of the country by way of roads.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a system and method thatenables anglers to obtain elevated, polarized views from a boat thatdoes not require anglers to occupy a fishing tower.

SUMMARY

A system and method for displaying elevated, polarized views of waterbodies are provided. The system and method of the present disclosure aregenerally designed to obtain images obtained from a vantage pointlocated at a first location and subsequently transmit and display thesame to an individual located at a second location. To this end, thesystem and method of the present disclosure may comprise a displayoperably connected to a camera. The system may utilize a 360-degreecamera that transmits a video feed to the display in real time.

To provide elevated views of a water body surrounding a boat, the cameramay be mounted to the boat in an elevated position. The camera may bemounted on an existing fishing tower on a boat so that an angler doesnot have to climb the fishing tower in order to get an elevated view ofsurrounding waters. Alternatively, the camera may be mounted to the bodyof a boat or a component attached thereto, such as a rod holder, via amounting device. The mounting device may comprise an adjustable armhaving a first end with a camera mount secured thereto that secures tothe camera. Preferably, the camera mount is a gimbal designed to keepthe camera steady when the camera is mounted to the boat and the boat ismoving.

In some instances, the adjustable arm may be sized to fit into astandard rod holder. To adjust the elevation at which the camera isdisposed, the adjustable arm may be extendable and/or have a pluralityjoints therein that allow users to reposition the camera at differentangles. In some embodiments, the mounting device further comprise a baseplate secured to a second end of the adjustable arm opposite the camera.In such embodiments, the base plate may be secured to a surface of aboat to secure the camera in an elevated position above the boat's deck.The camera preferably has a light filter, which is constructed to filterout polarized light. The camera is capable of switching back and forthbetween polarized and non-polarized views.

The display provides a screen on which the user may view the video feedof the camera in real time. The display may be mounted to the boat in anon-elevated position that enables an angler to view elevated viewsprovided by the camera's video feed without requiring the angler toclimb a fishing tower. In some instances, the display may be locatednear other boat controls, such as various gauges or a depth finder.Preferably, the display has controls for controlling the camera. Forinstance, the display may have a user interface that allows a user torotate the camera horizontally and/or vertically, to optionally adjustthe height of the camera when mounted on the adjustable arm, to switchbetween polarized and non-polarized views, or to control various otherfunctions of the camera. To process the video feed generated by thecamera prior to display on the display and to carry out various otherfunctions disclosed herein, the system may further comprise a processoroperably connected to the camera and the display.

The foregoing summary has outlined some features of the system andmethod of the present disclosure so that those skilled in the pertinentart may better understand the detailed description that follows.Additional features that form the subject of the claims will bedescribed hereinafter. Those skilled in the pertinent art shouldappreciate that they can readily utilize these features for designing ormodifying other structures for carrying out the same purpose of thesystem and method disclosed herein. Those skilled in the pertinent artshould also realize that such equivalent designs or modifications do notdepart from the scope of the system and method of the presentdisclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentdisclosure will become better understood with regard to the followingdescription, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 shows a system embodying features consistent with the principlesof the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows a system embodying features consistent with the principlesof the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 shows an adjustable arm embodying features consistent with theprinciples of the present disclosure disposed within a fishing rodholder.

FIG. 4 shows a system embodying features consistent with the principlesof the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 shows an adjustable arm embodying features consistent with theprinciples of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the Summary above and in this Detailed Description, and the claimsbelow, and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particularfeatures, including method steps, of the invention. It is to beunderstood that the disclosure of the invention in this specificationincludes all possible combinations of such particular features. Forexample, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of aparticular aspect or embodiment of the invention, or a particular claim,that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combinationwith/or in the context of other particular aspects of the embodiments ofthe invention, and in the invention generally.

The term “comprises” and grammatical equivalents thereof are used hereinto mean that other components, steps, etc. are optionally present. Forexample, a system “comprising” components A, B, and C can contain onlycomponents A, B, and C, or can contain not only components A, B, and C,but also one or more other components. Where reference is made herein toa method comprising two or more defined steps, the defined steps can becarried out in any order or simultaneously (except where the contextexcludes that possibility), and the method can include one or more othersteps which are carried out before any of the defined steps, between twoof the defined steps, or after all the defined steps (except where thecontext excludes that possibility).

Turning now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-5 illustrate preferred embodimentsof a system 100, or certain components thereof, for displaying elevated,polarized views of water bodies. The system 100 is generally designed toobtain images from a vantage point located at a first location andsubsequently transmit and display the same to a user 105 located at asecond position. To this end, the system 100 of the present disclosuremay comprise a camera 120, a mounting device 118, a display 110, anon-transitory computer-readable medium 116, and a processor 115operably connected to the camera 120 and the display 110, as shown inFIGS. 1, 2, and 4. Although represented as a single mounting device 118,camera 120, non-transitory computer-readable medium 116, processor 115,and display 110, it is understood that the system may comprise of aplurality of cameras 120, mounting devices 118, displays 110,non-transitory computer-readable mediums 116, and processors 115operably connected to the cameras 120 and the display 110.

The camera 120 is configured to capture video images of the environmentin which the camera 120 is disposed and transmit the same as a videofeed to the processor 115 which processes and subsequently transmits thevideo feed to the display 110 in real time. The camera 120 may besecured to a mounting device 118 to facilitate securement of the camera120 in a fixed position. The camera 120 may have a filter 120B designedto filter out polarized light before reaching the lens 120A of thecamera 120. Accordingly, by mounting the camera 120 to a first locationat an elevated position above the boat's deck and mounting the display110 in a second, non-elevated location on the boat, anglers may obtainelevated, non-polarized views of a body of water surrounding the boatwithout requiring the angler to occupy a fishing tower. Thus, in thisway, the system 100 of the present disclosure may enable anglers toeffectively sight fish in a safer manner than what is currentlypracticed within the art.

As provided above, the camera 120 is configured to capture video imagesof the environment in which the camera 120 is disposed and transmit thesame as a video feed. As best shown in FIG. 2, the camera 120 maycomprise a lens 120A, a filter 120B, a lens encasing 120C, a housing120D, a camera processor encasing 120E, and a camera processor 120F. Thecamera processor 120F may be configured to perform the operationsdisclosed herein based on programming instructions stored within anon-transitory computer-readable medium coupled to the camera processor120F. The camera processor 120F may be any processor or microprocessorsuitable for executing such program instructions.

As shown best in FIG. 2, the camera processor encasing 120E ispreferably made of a durable waterproof or water-resistant material suchas plastic, though one of skill in the art will readily appreciate thatother suitable waterproof or water-resistant materials may be usedwithout departing from the inventive subject matter disclosed herein.The camera processor encasing 120E of FIG. 2 may have a top and abottom. The lens 120A and lens encasing 120C preferably connects to thetop of the camera processor encasing 120E in a way that allows the lens120A and/or lens encasing 120C to rotate in the various mannersdisclosed herein. The top of the camera processor encasing 120E ispreferably designed to secure to the housing 120D such that an airtightseal is established. The bottom of the camera processor encasing 120E ispreferably designed to interlock or otherwise secure to a camera mount125. In a preferred embodiment, the camera mount 125 may comprise agimbal. As depicted in FIG. 2, the camera processor encasing 125E mayretain the shape of a rectangular cube, but it is understood that thecamera processor encasing 125E may be shaped in any manner suitable forencasing the camera processor 120F.

Preferably, the housing 120D is made of a durable waterproof orwater-resistant material such as a plastic, as best shown in FIG. 2,though other materials suitable for constructing a waterproof housingmay be used. To permit the camera 120 to capture clear video of theenvironment in which it is disposed, the housing 120D is preferablytransparent. The housing 120D is shaped and sized to fit around the lens120A, lens encasing 120C, and filter 120B. The bottom of the housing120D is preferably configured to secure to the camera processor encasing120E in order to establish an airtight seal. The housing 120D may bedome-shaped, as shown in FIG. 2. However, one of skill in the art willreadily recognize that the housing 120D may retain any shape suitablefor encapsulating the camera 120 in the manner disclosed herein.

The lens 120A and/or lens encasing 120C may be configured to rotateabout an x-axis, y-axis, and/or z-axis. In preferred embodiment, thelens 120A and/or lens encasing 120C may rotate in the foregoing mannerin response to user 105 interaction with the display 110, as disclosedherein, thereby enabling users 105 to remotely control the camera 120and views provided by thereby. The lens 120A and lens encasing 120C arepreferably constructed so that at least one filter 120B may be attachedthereto. The filter 120B is preferably configured to filter outpolarized light before it reaches the lens 120A. The filter 120B may beconfigured to be manually attached to the camera 120 such that thefilter 120B covers the lens 120A. Alternatively, the filter 120B may besecured to the camera 120 such that users 105 may transition the filter120B from a configuration that covers the lens 120A to a configurationthat does not cover the lens 120A by interacting with the display 110 inthe manner disclosed herein.

The processor 115 is configured to perform the operations disclosedherein based on programming instructions stored within the system 100.The processor 115 may be any processor suitable for carrying out suchprogramming instructions. The processor 115 may be a component of alarger computing device. Computing devices 112 that may function as theprocessor 115 may include, but are not limited to laptops, desktops,cellular telephones, tablet computers, or any other similar device.Accordingly, the inventive subject matter disclosed herein, in full orin part, may be implemented or utilized in devices including, but notlimited to, laptops, desktops, cellular telephones, tablet computers, orany other similar device.

In a preferred embodiment, the programming instructions responsible forthe operations carried out by the processor 115 are stored on anon-transitory computer-readable medium 116 that is coupled to theprocessor 115, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4. In some instances, theprogramming instructions responsible for the operations carried out bythe camera processor 120F may be stored within the non-transitorycomputer readable medium 116 coupled to the processor 115, as shown bestin FIG. 2. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable mediums 116include, but are not limited to, magnetic media such as hard disks,floppy disks, and magnetic tape; optical media such as CD ROM discs andDVDs; magneto-optical media such as optical discs; and hardware devicesthat are specifically configured to store and perform programminginstructions, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory(RAM), flash memory, and the like. In some embodiments, the programminginstructions may be stored as modules within the non-transitorycomputer-readable medium 116.

The system 100 of the present disclosure is configured such that thecamera 120 may be secured in a fixed position to the surface of a boator an object of the present on the boat. Surfaces and objects of theboat that a camera 120 may be secured to includes the roof, the deck, afishing tower, a cross bar, or a fishing rod holder. However, one ofskill in the art will readily appreciate that the camera 120 may besecured to alternative surfaces and objects without departing from theinventive subject matter disclosed herein. To facilitate mounting of thecamera 120 in a fixed position at a desired location, the camera 120 ispreferably secured to a mounting device 118. The mounting device 118 ofthe preferred embodiment comprises an adjustable arm 130 and a cameramount 125.

The adjustable arm 130 allows a user 105 to adjust the height at whichthe camera 120 is set. The adjustable arms 130 of FIGS. 1-5 have a firstand second end. A camera 120 may be attached to the first end of theadjustable arm 130 through use of an attachment device such as a nut orbolt. To adjust the height exhibited by the adjustable arm 130, theadjustable arm 130 is preferably configured to extend in length. In onesuch embodiment, the adjustable arm 130 may be partially or fullytelescopic. The adjustable arm 130 may be designed such that users 105may extend the length of the adjustable arm 130, thereby effectivelyadjusting the extent to which the camera 120 is elevated, manually viaphysical interaction therewith or automatically via user 105 interactionwith the display 110. In a preferred embodiment, automatic adjustmentmay be achieved with the assistance of an engine/motor operablyconnected to the adjustable arm. The adjustable arm may then be lockedinto place manually or automatically via a locking mechanism 136 or bythe engine as shown in FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 3, the second end of theadjustable arm 130 may be shaped and sized to fit into standard rodholders 200 commonly utilized on fishing boats to hold fishing rods in afixed position. In this way, a camera 120 attached to the first end ofan adjustable rod 130 may be set in a fixed position on a boat.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, the mounting device 118 may have one ormore lockable joints 132 disposed between the adjustable arm's 130 firstand second end that enable the adjustable arm 130 to assume differentangular configurations, as shown best in FIG. 2. The adjustable arm 130may be designed such that the lockable joints 132 may be adjustedmanually via user 105 interaction therewith. Alternatively, theadjustable arm 130 may be designed such that the lockable joints 132 maybe manipulated automatically via a motor/engine, which may receivecommands after user 105 interaction with the display 110. This may allowremote manipulation and adjustment of the adjustable arm 130. To providefor automatic adjustment or extension for the adjustable arm 130 in themanner disclosed herein, the adjustable arm 130 may be operablyconnected to the processor 115 via a wireless, such as Bluetooth, orwired connection. The mounting device 118 may have a plurality oflockable joints 132 disposed between the first and second ends of theadjustable arms 130, as shown in FIG. 4.

The motor/engine is preferably one of a pneumatic engine, hydraulicengine, or electric motor. The pneumatic/hydraulic motor may comprise apump, fluid, reservoir, control valves, a user control, an actuatorconnected to the pump via a plurality of tubes, and a plurality ofseals. The pump supplies the fluid to the various components of thehydraulic/pneumatic motor. The control valves direct the fluid tovarious locations of the hydraulic/pneumatic motor via the plurality oftubes. In a preferred embodiment, a computing device 112 is operablyconnected to the control valves in a way such that a user may operatethe computing device 112 so that it instructs the control valve whichroute through the plurality of tubes the fluid may take to the actuator.The actuator is responsible for moving objects using the work forcegenerated by the pressure changes caused by the fluid. The reservoirholds fluid, which may be a liquid or gas, not currently being used tooperate the hydraulic/pneumatic motor. The plurality of seals preventsthe escape of fluid from the hydraulic/pneumatic motor.

In a preferred embodiment, the actuator further comprises ahydraulic/pneumatic cylinder defined by an internal cavity, a slidablymoveable piston disposed within the internal cavity, and a strutoperably connected to the slidably moveable piston. The slidablymoveable piston may be shaped in a way such that it creates two chamberswithin the cavity. In a preferred embodiment, the hydraulic/pneumaticcylinder may be operably connected to the actuator in a way such thatthe computing device 112 manipulates the control valve so that itdirects fluid pumped by the pump into one of a first chamber or a secondchamber of the hydraulic/pneumatic cylinder. Pressure change resultingfrom fluid being injected into the first chamber or second chamber actson the slidably moveable piston, causing the slidably moveable piston tomove in a direction from higher pressure to lower pressure. The strut isprojected out the strut end of the hydraulic/pneumatic motor and iscoupled to the adjustable arms 130 of the mounting device 118. Operatingthe hydraulic/pneumatic motor to cause the slidably moveable piston tomove in a direction from higher pressure to lower pressure causes thestrut to move in a linear direction, which in turn causes the adjustablearms 130 to change positions. For instance, a hydraulic/pneumatic motormay be attached to the adjustable arms 130 in a way such that a user 105may change the height of the camera 120 attached thereto by manipulatinga user interface 113 of a computing device 112 operably connected tosaid hydraulic/pneumatic motor via a processor.

In another preferred embodiment, the electric motor comprises anarmature, stator, gear train, and drum. The armature may be defined asrotor having a magnetic field that may be used to generate torque, andthe stator may be defined as an outer set of permanent magnets or fieldcoils that interact with the magnetic field of the armature to generatetorque. By altering the magnetic field of the stator, the armaturerotates in a way that produces the aforementioned torque. At least onechain is preferably attached to a gear of the engine and a gear of theadjustable arm 130. The motor may turn the gear about a central axis,which may cause the chain to turn the gear of the adjustable arm 130. Ina preferred embodiment, the adjustable arms 130 may be attached to thegears in a way such that rotating them may change the position of theadjustable arm 130. In a preferred embodiment, the position may bechanged from a lowered position to a raised position, or vice versa.

In another preferred embodiment, the gear train may comprise a wormgearbox having a worm shaft, worm gear, and worm gear shaft. The wormshaft comprises threads that engage the worm gear in a way such thatwhen the worm shaft is rotated, the worm gear rotates perpendicularrelative to the worm shaft. The worm gear shaft is connected to the wormgear so that it rotates as the worm gear rotates. In a preferredembodiment, the worm shaft is operably connected to the motor in a waysuch that it may turn the worm shaft about said central axis, which inturn causes the worm gear shaft to rotate. This rotation may cause thework gear shaft to extend, thus extending the adjustable arm 130 toraised position. By reversing rotation of the engine, a user 105 maycause the adjustable arm 130 to lower, thus lowering the adjustable arm130 to a lowered position.

A user interface 113 may be defined as a space where interactionsbetween a user 105 and the system 100 may take place. In a preferredembodiment, the interactions may take place in a way such that a user105 may control the operations of the system 100, and more specifically,allow a user 105 to control the position of the adjustable arms 130. Auser 105 may input instructions to control operations of the system 100manually using an input device. For instance, a user 105 may choose toalter the position of the control arms 130 by using an input device ofthe system 100, including, but not limited to, a keyboard, mouse, ortouchscreen. A user interface 113 may include, but is not limited tooperating systems, command line user interfaces, conversationalinterfaces, web-based user interfaces, zooming user interfaces, touchscreens, task-based user interfaces, touch user interfaces, text-baseduser interfaces, intelligent user interfaces, and graphical userinterfaces, or any combination thereof. The system 100 may present dataof the user interface 113 to the user 105 via a display operablyconnected to the processor 115.

In an embodiment, the system 100 may determine the taxonomic rank ofmarine life while still in the water using a digital image captured bythe camera 120. For instance, a user 105 participating in a deep-seafishing charter trip may capture a digital image of marine life swimmingin the ocean near the chartered vessel. The system 100 may automaticallydetermine that the taxonomic rank of the marine life is a sailfish viadigital signal processing and relay that data to the user 105. In anembodiment, the system 100 may use a machine learning technique todetermine a taxonomic rank of marine life swimming in the water andcaptured within a digital image. For instance, pattern recognition orfeature extraction may be used to determine that the taxonomic rank ofmarine life within a digital image is a bonefish. For instance, patternrecognition or feature extraction may be used to determine that thetaxonomic rank of fauna within a digital image is an alligator. Patternrecognition methods may use labeled data that the system 100 may matchto a digital image using algorithms to determine a taxonomic rank ofmarine life. Feature extraction methods may use algorithms to detect andisolate various desired portions or shapes of a digital image todetermine a taxonomic rank of marine life. Alternatively, the system 100may use more than one machine learning technique to determine ataxonomic rank of marine life from a digital image. For instance, if thesystem 100 fails to determine a taxonomic rank of marine life usingpattern recognition, the system 100 may subsequently attempt todetermine a taxonomic rank of marine life using feature extraction.

The system 100 may compare data from the captured digital image relatingto the general shape of the marine life, the color of the marine life,and/or visible markings on the marine life, such as spots or stripes invarious locations on the body of the marine life. When the taxonomicrank is detected by the system 100, the system 100 may automaticallytransmit the information to a display for the user 105. However, becausesome taxonomic ranks, particularly those of closely related species, mayhave a very similar physical appearance, the system 100 may provide theuser 105 with a plurality of taxonomic rank options if a specifictaxonomic rank cannot be determined from the digital image. In addition,the displayed taxonomic ranks may be limited based on geospatial dataand/or data specifying a specific habitat range associated withidentified taxonomic rank. However, a user 105 may override the providedtaxonomic rank list to choose from any taxonomic rank contained withinthe database.

In addition, the system 100 may be programmed to calculate the travelvector needed to intercept the marine life based on the velocity vectorof the marine life in a digital image as well as the velocity vector ofthe marine vehicle. A travel vector may be defined as the speed anddirection needed to intercept marine life based on the speed anddirection in which a species of marine life appears to be travelingwithin a series of captured digital images and the speed and directionin which the marine vehicle is traveling. For instance, the system 100may determine the direction that the marine life appears to be travelingwithin the digital image and determine a speed in which the marine lifeappears to be traveling in said direction based on the analysis of aplurality of digital images taken in quick succession of one another.Using the marine vehicles speed and direction may then allow the systemto determine the direction and speed in which the marine vehicle musttravel to intercept the marine life.

In a preferred embodiment, the system 100 may determine the speed inwhich a marine life is traveling using a Euclidian distance analysis.During a Euclidian distance analysis, the system 100 may break the imagedata into a plurality of cells and determine the distance from a centerof a source cell to the center of each of the surrounding cells. Bycalculating the hypotenuse to each source cell using x-max and y-max asthe legs of the triangle, the system may derive the true Euclideandistance. If the calculated shortest distance to a source is less thanthe specified maximum distance, the value may be assigned to the celllocation on the output raster. The output values for the output rastersare preferably floating-point distance values. If a surrounding cell isat an equal distance to two or more source cells, the surrounding cellmay be assigned to the source cell that is first encountered in thescanning process. Once the distances are derived, the system 100 maydetermine the speed by dividing the distance traveled by the amount oftime it took to travel that distance.

In another preferred embodiment, the camera 120 may comprise a depthsensor, which the system 100 may use to determine distance to marinelife. The system 100 may determine the speed of the object bydetermining the change in distance over time from the camera 120 basedon the distance determined within a plurality of consecutive images. Ina preferred embodiment, the depth sensor is a stereo depth camera.Stereo depth cameras have two closely spaced sensors, which take twoimages that are then sent to the processor. Because the distance betweenthe sensors is known, comparing the two images allows the processor todetermine depth information, which the system 100 may then use tocalculate a speed. Alternatively, the depth sensor may be atime-of-flight camera or a structured/coded light camera.

The system 100 may also determine the direction the marine life istraveling. In a preferred embodiment, the system 100 may determine abearing of the marine life and a bearing of the marine vehicle. Once thespeed and direction of marine life has been determined, the system 100may calculate velocity vectors for the marine life and marine vehicle,respectively. By adding the velocity vectors, the system 100 may thendetermine a travel vector, which a user 105 may use to indirectlyintercept the marine life. As the velocity and direction of the marinevehicle and marine life changes, so will the travel vector, thusallowing a user 105 to intercept the marine life. In some preferredembodiments, the system 100 may transmit the direction and speed of themarine life and/or the marine vehicle to the display. In other preferredembodiments, the system 100 may interpose speed data, direction data,velocity data, and/or travel vector data over the image data beforetransferring it to the display so that a user 105 may see the shortestdistance to the marine life.

A camera mount 125 may be used to secure the camera 120 to the first endof the extendable arm 130. As disclosed above, in a preferredembodiment, the camera mount 125 may be a gimbal to reduce unwantedmovement of the camera 120 when the system 100 is in use. FIGS. 1, 2,and 4 show a mounting device 118 comprising a camera mount 125configured to interlock with or otherwise secure to the camera 120disposed or secured to an adjustable arm's 130 first end. Alternatively,the camera mount 125 may be configured to mount to a surface orcomponent of a boat, such as a boat's deck or fishing tower, in a waysuch that the camera 120 may be secured to a fixed position on the boatwithout the need of an adjustable arm 130.

FIGS. 2 and 4 depict a mounting device 118 further comprising a baseplate 134. The base plate 134 allows a mounting device 118 to be securedin a fixed position to the surface or an object of a boat anywhere thebase plate 134 is secured. As depicted in FIGS. 2 and 4, the base plate134 is attached the second end of an adjustable arm 130. Alternatively,the base plate 134 may attach to a camera mount 125. The base plate 134may comprise a flat and square shaped section in contact with a surface,though it is understood that the base plate 134 may be shaped and sizedin alternative manners and still fall within the scope of the presentdisclosure. As shown in FIG. 2, the base plate 134 may have a pluralityof openings therein through which screws, bolts, nails, or othersuitable fastening instruments or devices may pass through to secure thebaseplate to a desired surface or object present on a user's 105 boat.However, one of skill in the art will readily appreciate that the baseplate 134 may be secured to a boat surface or object in alternativemanners without departing from the inventive subject matter disclosedherein. For instance, the base plate 134 may be secured to a boatsurface using adhesives.

As provided above, the display 110 is configured to receive video imagesof the environment from the camera 120 and display these images for userreview. The video feed generated by the camera 120 may be directed to aprocessor 115 connected thereto before being displayed on the display110 for user 105 review. The camera 120 and display 110 may be operablyconnected to the processor 115 via a wireless, such as Bluetooth, orwired connection. The display 110 may be any screen suitable fordisplaying a video feed from the camera 120. As such, a display 110 maybe a mounted television, computer monitor, smartphone, tablet computer,VR goggles, or any other similar device.

In a preferred embodiment, the display 110 may be an interactive displaysuch that users 105 may interact with the display 110 to manipulate thecamera 120. For instance, the system 100 may be designed such that auser 105 may interact with the display 110 to rotate the camera 120 in ahorizontal and/or vertical direction, adjust the elevation at which thecamera 120 is disposed by manipulating the mounting device 118 in themanner described herein, switch between filtered and non-filtered views,or to control various other functions of the camera 120. To facilitateuser interaction with the display 110, the display 110 may have one ormore controllers operably connected thereto that users 105 may engagewith to control the camera 120, as described herein. The one or morecontrollers may include, but is not limited to, keyboards, mouses,joysticks, haptic gloves, or combinations thereof. In some instances,the display 110 may include a touchscreen display.

User 105 interaction with the display 110 generates input data which maybe transmitted to and subsequently processed by the processor 115. Uponprocessing the input data, the processor 115 may transmit a seriesinstructions to the camera processor 120F, which, when read and executedthereby, causes the camera lens 120A and or the lens encasing 120C to bemanipulated in the manner prescribed by the user 105 through the user'sinteraction with the display 110. Input data generated by user 105interaction with the display 110 may be processed in a similar manner tomanipulate the adjustable arm 130. Accordingly, in some embodiments, theadjustable arm 130 may be operably connected to the camera processor120F. Alternatively, the adjustable arm 130 may further comprise aninternal processor of its own configured to receive instructions fromprocessor 115 and execute the same to manipulate or adjust theadjustable arm 130 in the manner prescribed by a user 105.

The implementations set forth in the foregoing description do notrepresent all implementations consistent with the subject matterdescribed herein. Instead, they are merely some examples consistent withaspects related to the described subject matter. Although a fewvariations have been described in detail above, other modifications oradditions are possible. In particular, further features and/orvariations can be provided in addition to those set forth herein. Forexample, the implementations described above can be directed to variouscombinations and subcombinations of the disclosed features and/orcombinations and subcombinations of several further features disclosedabove. In addition, the logic flow depicted in the accompanying figuresand/or described herein do not necessarily require the particular ordershown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. It will bereadily understood to those skilled in the art that various otherchanges in the details, materials, and arrangements of the parts andmethod stages which have been described and illustrated in order toexplain the nature of this inventive subject matter can be made withoutdeparting from the principles and scope of the inventive subject matter.

What is claimed is: 1) An apparatus for displaying views of water bodiescomprising, a base plate, a mounting device connected to said baseplate, a camera connected to said mounting device, wherein said camerais configured to obtain image data, a display configured to receiveimage data from said camera, a processor operably connected to saidcamera and said display, a non-transitory computer-readable mediumcoupled to said processor, wherein said non-transitory computer-readablemedium contains instructions stored thereon, which, when executed bysaid processor, cause said processor to perform operations comprising:obtaining image data from said camera, transmitting said image data tosaid display. 2) The system of claim 1, wherein said mounting devicefurther comprises an adjustable arm, wherein said adjustable arm isconnected to said base plate, wherein said adjustable arm alters aheight of said camera. 3) The system of claim 2, wherein said adjustablearm further comprises at least one lockable joint. 4) The system ofclaim 3, wherein said lockable joint is locked into a position using alocking element. 5) The system of claim 2, wherein said mounting devicefurther comprises a motor. 6) The system of claim 5, wherein said motoris at least one of a pneumatic engine, hydraulic engine, and electricengine. 7) The system of claim 5, wherein said adjustable arm is lockedin place by at least one of said pneumatic engine, hydraulic engine, andelectric motor. 8) The system of claim 5, wherein said electric motorturns gears of said lockable joint in a way such that said adjustablearm may be raised and lowered based on a direction in which saidelectric motor turns said gears. 9) An apparatus for displaying views ofwater bodies comprising, a camera configured to obtain image data, anadjustable arm attached to said camera, wherein said adjustable armalters the height of said camera, a display configured to receive imagedata, a processor operably connected to said camera and said display, anon-transitory computer-readable medium coupled to said processor,wherein said non-transitory computer-readable medium containsinstructions stored thereon, which, when executed by said processor,cause said processor to perform operations comprising: obtaining imagedata from said camera, transmitting said image data to said display. 10)The system of claim 9, wherein said adjustable arm further comprises atleast one lockable joint. 11) The system of claim 10, wherein saidlockable joint is locked into a position using a locking element. 12)The system of claim 10, wherein said mounting device further comprises amotor. 13) The system of claim 12, wherein said motor is at least one ofa pneumatic engine, hydraulic engine, and electric engine. 14) Thesystem of claim 13, wherein said adjustable arm is locked in place by atleast one of said pneumatic engine, hydraulic engine, and electricmotor. 15) The system of claim 13, wherein said electric motor turnsgears of said lockable joint in a way such that said adjustable arm maybe raised and lowered based on a direction in which said electric motorturns said gears. 16) An apparatus for displaying views of water bodiescomprising, a camera configured to obtain image data, an adjustable armhaving a motor, wherein said adjustable arm is attached to said camera,wherein said motor alters a position of said adjustable arm, whereinsaid adjustable arm alters the height of said camera based on saidposition, a display configured to receive image data, a processoroperably connected to said camera, adjustable arm, and said display, anon-transitory computer-readable medium coupled to said processor,wherein said non-transitory computer-readable medium containsinstructions stored thereon, which, when executed by said processor,cause said processor to perform operations comprising: obtaining imagedata from said camera, displaying said image data via said display,receiving commands from said computing device, and altering saidposition of said adjustable arm based on said commands. 17) The systemof claim 16, wherein said motor is at least one of a pneumatic engine,hydraulic engine, and electric engine. 18) The system of claim 17,wherein said adjustable arm is locked in place by at least one of saidpneumatic engine, hydraulic engine, and electric motor. 19) The systemof claim 17, wherein said adjustable arm further comprises at least onelockable joint. 20) The system of claim 19, wherein said electric motorturns gears of said lockable joint in a way such that said adjustablearm may be raised and lowered based on a direction in which saidelectric motor turns said gears. 21) An apparatus for displaying viewsof water bodies comprising, a camera configured to obtain image data, amounting device connected to said camera, wherein said mounting devicealters a height of said camera, a display configured to receive saidimage data, a processor operably connected to said camera and saidmounting device, a non-transitory computer-readable medium coupled tosaid processor, wherein said non-transitory computer-readable mediumcontains instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by saidprocessor, cause said processor to perform operations comprising:obtaining image data from said camera, analyzing said image data formarine life, identifying said marine life in said image data, analyzingsaid image data for a travel vector, interposing said travel vector oversaid image data, and displaying said image data and said travel vectoron said display. 22) The system of claim 21, wherein said mountingdevice further comprises an adjustable arm, wherein said adjustable armis connected to said base plate, wherein said adjustable arm alters aheight of said camera. 23) The system of claim 22, wherein saidadjustable arm further comprises at least one lockable joint. 24) Thesystem of claim 23, wherein said lockable joint is locked into aposition using a locking element. 25) The system of claim 22, whereinsaid mounting device further comprises a motor. 26) The system of claim25, wherein said motor is at least one of a pneumatic engine, hydraulicengine, and electric engine. 27) The system of claim 25, wherein saidadjustable arm is locked in place by at least one of said pneumaticengine, hydraulic engine, and electric motor. 28) The system of claim25, wherein said electric motor turns gears of said lockable joint in away such that said adjustable arm may be raised and lowered based on adirection in which said electric motor turns said gears.